Results: Vibration, X-axis
We were very excited to see the results of the Grand Tornado 120. It looks good geometrically and is also one of the cheapest LCP models out there. Scythe has also informed us that the Grand Tornado 120 is set to outperform the legendary Gentle Typhoon (D1225C). And it’s true, it does outperform it, though perhaps in different ways than you’d expect. But the LCP fan from Scythe gets along really well with radiators.
Results: Vibration, X-axis
Why is there a missing value sometimes? There may be more reasons. Usually it is because the fan could not be adjusted to the target noise level. Some have a higher minimum speed (or the speed is low, but the motor is too noisy) or it is a slower fan that will not reach the higher decibels. But the results in the graphs are also missing if the impeller is brushing against the nylon filter mesh. In that case, we evaluate this combination as incompatible. And zero in the graphs is naturally also in situations where we measure 0.00. This is a common occurrence at extremely low speeds with obstructions or within vibration measurements.
Continue: Results: Vibration, Y-axis
- Contents
- Scythe Grand Tornado 120 in detail
- Overview of specifications from the manufacturer
- Basis of the methodology, the wind tunnel
- Mounting and vibration measurement
- Initial warm-up and speed recording
- Base 6 equal noise levels...
- ... and sound color (frequency characteristic)
- Measurement of static pressure...
- ... and of airflow
- Everything changes with obstacles
- How we measure power draw and motor power
- Measuring the intensity (and power draw) of lighting
- Results: Speed
- Results: Airflow w/o obstacles
- Results: Airflow through a nylon filter
- Results: Airflow through a plastic filter
- Results: Airflow through a hexagonal grille
- Results: Airflow through a thinner radiator
- Results: Airflow through a thicker radiator
- Results: Static pressure w/o obstacles
- Results: Static pressure through a nylon filter
- Results: Static pressure through a plastic filter
- Results: Static pressure through a hexagonal grille
- Results: Static pressure through a thinner radiator
- Results: Static pressure through a thicker radiator
- Results: Static pressure, efficiency depending on orientation
- Reality vs. specifications
- Results: Frequency response of sound w/o obstacles
- Results: Frequency response of sound with a dust filter
- Results: Frequency response of sound with a hexagonal grille
- Results: Frequency response of sound with a radiator
- Results: Vibration, in total (3D vector length)
- Results: Vibration, X-axis
- Results: Vibration, Y-axis
- Results: Vibration, Z-axis
- Results: Power draw (and motor power)
- Results: Cooling performance per watt, airflow
- Results: Cooling performance per watt, static pressure
- Airflow per euro
- Static pressure per euro
- Results: Lighting – LED luminance and power draw
- Results: LED to motor power draw ratio
- Evaluation
DNF at the very high target of 31dB(A) means it isn’t cheap, it means no matter the price it’s too expensive
additionally knowing it starts at around 680RPM and it still doesn’t pass that target means it’s just bad acoustically
it may find a niche, people are frequently mentioning this or that dethroning Noctua while the performance is only slightly higher at one very specific and extremely high noise target so at some point it may be a decent option, but I just wouldn’t bother, no reason to stand that noise when I can just set A12x25 a tiny bit below this ones starting speed and have it perform better and stay silent
This is subjective. It depends on who is looking for what. If the priority is the highest possible airflow regardless of noise level, while also weighing low vibration or extra durability, then the Grand Tornado 120 can be a great choice. In the context of that potentially high durability (if Scythe doesn’t exaggerate the MTBF value…), we also discussed the server concept of the Scythe Grand Tornado 120 fan in the discussion below the text in another language…
for separate-room-home-server I’d likely go with Noctua PPC or T30 (or NH-P1 due to superior reliability if the heat load was lower, though AC has the advantage of providing a decent heatsink that will prevent your system from shutting down even if fans stop, LC on the other hand…), for regular server room with regular server fans like Delta
for living/working space silence is a requirement impossible to give up on so the silent performance is all that matters
I really love its name (GT), indicating the intention for it to succeed Gentle Typhoon. Unfortunately, I don’t think it’s worthy of that title. Even if the argument is that it’s better in peak performance, remember there’s the GT-HI (https://www.e-jpc.com/wp-content/uploads/gentle-typhoon-d1225cen-2.pdf) that goes up to 5400 RPM!